Dee'S Chicken Casserole
A comforting chicken casserole layered with crunchy Ritz crackers, creamy soup, and tender chicken, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In the bottom of a large casserole dish, place one package of crushed Ritz crackers.
- Mix the cooked and diced chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream together, then layer this mixture over the crushed crackers.
- Add another layer of crushed Ritz crackers on top of the chicken mixture.
- Pour the melted oleo over the top layer of crackers.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheese or a can of diced green chilies to the chicken mixture. If you don't have Ritz crackers, any buttery cracker will work as a substitute, though the flavor may vary slightly. For added nutrition, you can mix in some frozen vegetables, similar to what you might find in a Casserole Of Chicken And Broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You might also serve it alongside some crusty bread or a light soup, like Williamsburg Cream Of Peanut Soup, to balance the richness. For a family-friendly dinner, consider pairing it with fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for quicker reheating. If freezing, cover tightly and consume within 2 months for best quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dee'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 270 calories, with 11g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1165mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Using raw chicken is not recommended for this recipe as it requires pre-cooking to ensure food safety. However, you can poach or bake the chicken breasts beforehand and then dice them to use in the casserole. This will help maintain the dish's overall texture and flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Use a cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. This variation is delicious and aligns with many American recipes that emphasize hearty vegetables.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).